I couldn’t take it anymore! I have been couped up in the house for too long and decided it was time to get out and explore the south-east part of San Diego county. I have been wanting to ride out east and up the Sunrise Highway. I planned a route and headed out this morning. I stopped for gas (to top off the tank) and hit the market for some food to eat for lunch.
I headed out the 52 freeway, to the 125 and then the 94 east. This was the only place I had traffic. Once the 94 freeway ended it turned into a nice rural road. I had to pay attention to the signage (which was really good along the route) I headed out the 94 for a lovely view of the east county. I passed through areas I had only heard about (mostly during fire season). The most interesting things to see along this route are the valleys the the road cuts through. Also, as you enter campo you can see the train tracks for the short line. I highly recommend taking a weekend trip on their train. Along the route, there is a border checkpoint. When I stopped the officer didn’t wave me through, in face he didn’t even look at me. I raised my visor and asked if everything was ok and he looked up and said “I’m sorry, we have never seen anything like this before.” I laughed and he waved me on. about 6 other officers were there checking out the ride. I would have stopped and given them a tour, but cars started to bunch up behind me 🙁 Next time.
As I left campo, I reached the start of the S1. This started as part of the old highway 80 and it paralleled the I8. When it crossed the I8 freeway, it turned into S1 and I started my climb up the mountain. The ride up the mountain is fantastic. The road is in great shape and the views are incredible.
When I got above the 5000′ level the temp dropped from the comfortable 70’s to the low 60’s and ever few miles it dropped another degree. I then started to see snow! Wow, to go from mid-70’s to snow in less than 20 miles! This is why I love San Diego!
As I climbed higher, the temp kept dropping. Finally reaching 54 degrees. Not bad, but too cold for what I was wearing. I had planned to stop at the summit and have lunch, but with all the snow and low temps, I decided to push on. As I started down the other side of Mt. Laguna I noticed a lot more snow. The north side definitely is colder than the south side. Once I descended below the 5000′ level the snow thinned out and you could see the burn area from the fires a few years ago. I decided to stop at one of the overlooks for a water break. I passed a bicyclist on the way down. She was moving a good pace but must have been freezing. She passed me at the rest stop doing almost 30 mph down the hill. When I got started again, it took me almost 15 minutes before I passed her again.
I made it down the mountain and headed into Julian. Julian was crowded today. Lots of people and cars lining the streets. It actually seemed more crowded than on a weekend. I headed out of Julian and stopped at the picnic area just outside of the town. I ate my lunch here watching the cars come down the mountain. There was a worker here building picnic table covers out of wood. There was a tent pitched here, so I assume he was camping on the site. A very interesting arrangement.
After eating lunch, I headed into Romona and gassed up. I decided to head down San Vicente Canyon towards Barona. I had never driven this road and I am glad I double checked my map, because it is not labeled San Vicente from the 78. It’s tenth street.
I winded south through Romona and into the Indian Reservation. This was also a lovely drive through this area. The casino here is amazing. The last time we were here, it was a tent. Now, they have a huge hotel and the roads are all straightened out and widened.
I then headed down through wild-cat canyon. Another area I have not been to and only heard of from the fires. This area is basically a canyon with a lot of homes and horse corals down in the canyon. As I exited the canyon, I headed back to the 67 and civilization and headed home out mission gorge and the 52.
I can’t wait to do this ride again, especially with Angie and others. Hopefully, we can go again towards the end of the month.
Here is the link to my bim log:
Campo/S1 Ride